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AWARENESS TIPS: MAKE IT A HABIT Return to Womens Self Defense Center
Awareness can be a life-saver. It is very important to pay attention at all times to
whatever is going on around you. It takes time to get used to being aware. Some people
feel they are being paranoid when they first begin practicing awareness. However, with
time it will develop into a natural habit.
The following are some common sense tips that can help in your awareness training.
AWARENESS IN YOUR HOME
1. List only initials and last name in the phone book, on mail boxes, doors, etc. If you
live alone, list another name in addition to your own.
2. THINK every time before you leave your name, address or phone number in public view or
give out information regarding your daily routine.
3. When you go on vacation, let a friend know when you leave and when you plan to return
so someone is aware if you are missing. Do not advertise by putting a note on your door
telling your whereabouts and your planned return home. If you will be gone more than a
week, put a stop on your newspaper delivery and have your mail held at the post office.
4. Use lights at all entrances, inside and out, and keep your garage well lit. Keep garage
door shut and locked at all times.
5. Leave lights on in various parts of the house if you will be coming home after dark.
Buy time devices that will activate lights, radios, etc.
6. If you come home and think someone may have been inside (or may still be there) do not
enter. Go to a neighbor’s house and call the police.
7. Do not depend on your dog for more than an alarm if you have a prowler. They are often
prepared to deal with dogs.
8. If you hear a prowler, turn on all outside lights and call the police. Alert your
neighbors.
9. Keep curtains closed and shades down at night.
10. Beware of casual acquaintances who visit unannounced. Many rapists know their victims
and plan the time of the attack.
11. Ask for identification of all service personnel before opening the door. If you have
not requested service, ask for the office phone number and name of dispatcher. First
validate the phone number by checking it in the phone directory, then call the office to
verify employment. If you have doubts, do not open the door.
12. Do not allow children to open the door.
13. Do not leave extra house keys in obvious places like under door mats, in flower boxes,
above the door, etc. Leave them with neighbors.
14. Do not allow a stranger in the house to use the phone, regardless of the emergency.
Offer to make the call for them.
15. When you are at home alone, have telegrams and messages slipped under the door and
have packages left outside. Do not open the door unless you know the delivery person.
16. Do not depend on a chain on your door. Use a peephole to check on visitors while
keeping the door locked. Call through the door if necessary.
17. Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you go to a neighbor’s or make a
quick trip to the store.
18. Be aware of places attackers might hide, both inside and outside. Trim bushes and
shrubbery so no one can hide in them.
19. Be alert when riding an elevator with an unknown man. Stand next to the control panel
so that stop buttons cannot be pushed and so that you have access to emergency buttons and
phone. Don’t get into an elevator if you have any doubts about the person inside.
20. Do not spend unnecessary time alone in apartment laundry rooms.
21. If you are considering a burglar alarm, check with the police department on home
security.
AWARENESS IN YOUR CAR
1. As you walk on your way to your car, look underneath to see if anyone is hiding. Check
the interior of your car before getting in. Consider purchasing a small flashlight for
checking at night.
2. Have your car serviced regularly to avoid breakdown.
3. Keep a flare and a CALL POLICE sign in your trunk to use in case of emergency.
4. Keep a cell phone charged and in your car. If you do not have a cell phone, make sure
that you have a calling card or change for a public phone.
5. Keep your gas tank between half and full.
6. Keep all valuables locked in the trunk.
7. If your car runs out of gas or breaks down on the freeway, pull over as close to a call
box as possible. Turn your head lamps on and raise the hood of your car. If you have a
cell phone, stay in the car and make your calls. If not, then use the emergency phone and
once you are done, get back into the car and lock the doors. If you have to pull over on
the street, try to pull over close to something that is open 24 hours, such as 7/11 store,
etc.. If you have a cell phone, stay in the car and make your calls. If there is a pay
phone that is visible from the store, it is okay to use it, but if you have to use a phone
that is in a dark area or is not visible from the store, go inside and ask to use the
store’s phone. If someone stops to offer help, slip them change through a crack in
the window and ask them to call the police or nearest service station if necessary.
8. Have your keys in your hand ready to use before you go outside. Fumbling in your purse
en route to the car or at the door provides a would-be assailant the opportunity to
approach you.
9. Park in well lit areas near your destination.
10. Always lock your car when you leave it, even if you are planning to be gone only a
short time.
11. Avoid leaving personal objects in open view.
12. Take pull-out radios with you. They can be easily stolen, even if you lock them in
your trunk. If your radio is not a pull-out model, consider purchasing a fake panel to
cover the radio.
13. Be aware of anyone in the vicinity of your car in a parking lot. If a van has parked
next to your car, enter your car from the other side. Vans are frequently used for
abduction.
14. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up far enough to stop a probing hand,
especially in stop-and-go traffic. Keep your car in gear at stop lights.
15. Be familiar with your own frequently traveled routes. Know the location of 24-hour
businesses and of police departments. Vary your route home.
16. If you discover you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or open
business. Honk your horn repeatedly until you attract attention. DO NOT DRIVE HOME.
17. If someone signals from another car that something is wrong with your car, drive to
the nearest service station. Do not stop to check your car until the other car has driven
away.
18. Should another car try to force you to the side of the road, do not allow it. If you
have to drive through areas not designated for cars, do it, but do not stop your car. Get
the other car’s license number and drive directly to the police station to report it.
19. Never leave keys to your home with car keys when your car is left in a parking lot or
at a service station.
20. Upon your arrival home, keep the headlights on until the garage door is closed behind
you.
21. Do not pick up a hitchhiker, male or female.
22. If you are driving someone home, wait until they have entered the house and signaled
for you to leave. Before they leave your car, establish a signal other than waving. For
example, if an assailant is waiting inside, he will expect them to wave to you. If they do
this rather than, say, switching the lights on and off, then you will know to call for
help.
23. Arrange for car pools whenever possible.
24. Most car-jackings happen in neighborhoods, places with a high trust level for the
driver. Keep your awareness up.
25. As you are driving, notice the cars around you. Be alert for set-ups, like being
blocked on either side or from the front and the rear.
26. Travel the middle lanes. Avoid driving in the far right-hand lane so as not to be
easily approached at stop lights.
27. If you are stopped at an intersection or anywhere else, and you notice someone
unfamiliar approaching, honk the horn to attract attention and maneuver out of there as
quickly and safely as possible.
28. When stopping behind another car, always stop far enough away so that you can see
their rear tires touching the ground. This will give you enough room to maneuver your car
out in an emergency.
29. If anyone demands your car from you, cooperate. Keep the assailant informed as you
move deliberately and quickly. ("Okay, let me unbuckle my seatbelt." "My
child is in the back seat, please let me get her out.")
AWARENESS ON THE PHONE
1. List your name in the phone book with initials and last name only.
2. If you live alone, do not give your name on the out-going message. Give your phone
number only or two names, such as yours and your pet’s.
3. Be wary of telephone surveys. Don’t participate in surveys that ask anything
personal.
4. Do not tell strangers that you are alone.
5. Hang up immediately on obscene calls.
6. If you receive a call that seems to be a wrong number, do not volunteer your phone
number. If the caller requests it, ask what number they were trying to reach. Then verify
the wrong number without giving out your own number.
7. Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
AWARENESS IN THE STREET
1. Be assertive in your walk, using a firm, steady pace. A passive or fearful walk gives
an image of vulnerability and sets you up as the easy target the assailant needs.
2. Avoid walking through groups of men or even groups of women or mixed groups that seem
rowdy.
3. Plan your route in advance. Walk in well traveled areas. Avoid bushes, alleys, vacant
lots, entryways and short cuts through deserted places. Vary your route home.
4. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, change directions, and keep
looking behind you so it is obvious that you are aware. Take note of their appearance or
any descriptions you may be able to give to the police. If you are being followed by a
car, memorize the license number, run to the nearest business and call the police.
5. Keep a secure grip on your purse. Do not allow it to dangle. Keep fasteners and zippers
closed and any openings close to your body. However, if threatened by a demand for your
purse, do not choose your purse over your own safety.
6. Do not allow force or threats to get you into a car. Keep your hands free whenever
possible.
7. If you are waiting outside, stand balanced on both feet. Do not put your hands in your
pockets. Be aware of cars that pull up to you or that pass you repeatedly.
8. If a driver asks directions, do not get close to the car.
9. Do not accept rides from strangers.
10. When using public transportation, sit toward the front of the bus or in busy subway
trains and be aware of the people getting off with you.
11. NEVER HITCHHIKE!
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